Leave it to CNN host Rick Sanchez to unintentionally give us a moment of comedy in an afternoon cable news broadcast.
On "CNN Newsroom" on April 28, Sanchez interviewed Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., about the departure of Sen. Arlen Specter, Pa., from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. He asked the senator from South Carolina if Specter was correct in his analysis that the conservative wing of the Republican Party was squeezing out a segment of the electorate.
"You're shrinking the electorate to an extreme - to a point where a regular Republican can't win," Sanchez said, paraphrasing Specter. "What do you make of that argument?"
However, DeMint explained it was which ideology was best suited to give Americans the freedom to choose in their daily lives that propagated a more prosperous society - both economically and culturally.
"That's quite the opposite," DeMint said. "We're seeing across the country right now that the biggest tent of all is the tent of freedom and what we need to do as Republicans is convince Americans that freedom can work in all areas of their life - for every American, whether it's education, or health care or creating jobs."
However, with that response, Sanchez had his Jim Mora moment - when Mora, the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts went into his "playoffs" rant after a 40-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 25, 2001.
"What the hell does that mean?" Sanchez said. "I mean, the biggest tent is freedom? Freedom? I mean you got to do better than that!"
DeMint explained the concept in rudimentary terms for the CNN host - how freedom incorporated into certain segments of society allows it operate more efficiently, versus the big hand of government directing society.
"What it means is what has worked in America are free people, free markets for years," DeMint said. "And what we see now is a government expanding into all areas of our economy, increasing spending and debt at levels we never talked about. Americans who are normally not even political are coming out to tea parties and protesting. These aren't Republicans or Democrats. These are just concerned Americans."
DeMint pointed out that Specter's opponent, had he remained a Republican and ran in the Pennsylvania GOP primary, Pat Toomey understood this concept.
"I think what we've seen is both parties have pushed the envelope too far and now America is pushing back," DeMint continued. "I think you'll see this next election to be totally different. Pat Toomey who is running in Pennsylvania is one of the most mainstream Americans I know. He's for the simple concepts of limited government and more personal freedom, free markets and that's what works in our country today and that's what we need to stand up for as Republicans and I think as all Americans."
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Mr. Sanchez, freedom is
April 28, 2009 - 16:36 ET by fitzfongMr. Sanchez, freedom is what you have because you weren't sent to prison for getting drunk, running over a pedestrian and killing him. Only unlike you, we Americans are entitled to freedom.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
So, Rick Sanchez is a freedom-hating lefty.
April 28, 2009 - 16:40 ET by R D HelmLOL-Who would have guessed?
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
Sanchez/DeMint
April 28, 2009 - 16:46 ET by merlin61I'm glad Mr. DeMint was very able to explain this
to Rick Sanchez. Gooooooooo Sen.De Mint.
Unfortunately a lot of
April 28, 2009 - 18:23 ET by motherbeltUnfortunately a lot of people agree with Sanchez. I hope they don't live in Pennsylvania.
We are so screwed.
They might say "Wow, that sucks!" But at least they'll say "Wow!" -Duff Goldman, the Ace of Cakes
forget PA
April 28, 2009 - 22:13 ET by mizflame98I don't put a lot of faith in Pennsylvania. That is the state that voted for Obama even though he talked about them clinging to their guns and religion. And reelected Murtha even after he called his own constituents racist. PA is like an abused woman who keeps taking back the husband that kicks her butt because she thinks he's the best man for her.
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds”
Samuel Adams
LET FREEDOM RING...
April 28, 2009 - 22:15 ET by danybhoyI don't get it. This @$$clown Sanchez should know better then most what freedom is, because his homeland lacks it. Rick is from Cuba, & maybe he should consider why there has been so much 1 way traffic by Cubans trying to flee from the communist hell the Castro brothers have set up there.
Then again, every time I see the idiot on TV or read stories about what he has said time & again, it amazes me. I don't get liberal Cubans, I cannot wrap my head around the idea of having the same beliefs with someone who thinks scum like Che & Fidel are great revolutionaries who need to be praised for standing up against the USA. Freedom must suck.
The bottom line, Rick Sanchez is a backbencher who has no real talent or enough smarts to understand the stories he is covering. His head has been up his @$$ for so long, he no longer remember what the sun looks like, & he is just 1 reason CNN finished 4th in prime demo in April. He sucks, & CNN sucks, period.
"The Fairness Doctrine = Jim Crow laws for Conservatives". Jim Quinn from "Quinn & Rose"
Why do these guys waste their time?
April 28, 2009 - 16:47 ET by Chris NormanExplaining this concept to a partisan liberal political hack like Sanchez is like trying to teach a pig to sing...
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
"What the hell does that mean...?"
April 28, 2009 - 16:51 ET by EvilCon555EvilCon555
Soooo....
When Does Mr. Sanchez "start his vacation"?
"All great change in America begins at the dinner table" Ronald Reagan, Jan 21, 1981
With people like Sanchez,
April 28, 2009 - 16:53 ET by bigtimerWith people like Sanchez, it just goes in one ear and out the other.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Classic Sanchez
April 28, 2009 - 17:07 ET by KC MulvilleThis guy gets lower with every episode. He's literally yelling at guests from the opposition. No wonder CNN is dropping further behind. They can't even compete with MSNBC.
This is an example of why...
April 28, 2009 - 17:09 ET by jawebster1I never watch news programs except for those on Fox. This Sanchez character is absolutely clueless. Like most Libs, he wouldn't know Freedom if it bit him on his big fat...nose! Jim Webster
I will tell Sanchez what "freedom" is...
April 28, 2009 - 17:13 ET by taocpaFreedom is idiots like you get to express moronic opinions like yours and Perez Hilton's on the air without government reprisal. Freedom is also the right to pick your doctor, the freedom to choose your insurance company, your bank, your grocery store, your vehicle, your house, your lifestyle, where you live, etc. None of these things are dictated by the government. But it appears soon they might be under the current administration.
I cannot honestly believe how incredulous he was over DeMint's comments
about freedom. It just goes to show how stupid these television people are at CNN are and will continue to stay star struck over this President and the idiotic
administration.
Freedom works you numbskull, unlike what's happening now under the Teleprompter-in-Chief and his den of thieves. The tent DeMint refers to is one I would rather live under then the one you would prefer. You see, the Obama and the liberal tent is the one where no one is allowed a different thought, allowed to say anything that's "politically incorrect" or have more money than someone else. We might as well all have operations to look alike, change our names to be the same and all live in look alike communities according to you and your ilk.
When will the madness end? Hopefully, January 20, 2013.
Tom
Why am I not surprised
April 28, 2009 - 17:19 ET by Defector01that a liberal can't comprehend the importance of freedom?
I have only ever made one prayer to God, a very short one: O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous. And God granted it - Voltaire
It isn't that they don't
April 28, 2009 - 17:33 ET by MrSnugglesIt isn't that they don't understand freedom, it is that they could not care less about it.
How dare DeMint
April 28, 2009 - 17:38 ET by seesalruninvoke the word freedom.
"What the hell does that mean?" Sanchez said. "I mean, the biggest tent
is freedom? Freedom? I mean you got to do better than that!"
Mr. Sanchez, there IS nothing better, desirable or AMERICAN than Freedom.
What do you think we go to war and lose our children and fathers for.....
CNN deserves to do down the tubes with the rest of them. I am insulted and will no longer watch.
He asked the senator from
April 28, 2009 - 17:40 ET by Antisocial-ismHe asked the senator from South Carolina if Specter was correct in his analysis that the conservative wing of the Republican Party was squeezing out a segment of the electorate.
No, Rick. You Idiot. It's more like the Republican party squeezing the puss out of an infected wound. In the end we will be better for it.
Pat Toomey?
April 28, 2009 - 17:47 ET by zoro7957................wasn't he a punter in the NFL ?
I think there was a Pat
April 28, 2009 - 18:10 ET by fitzfongI think there was a Pat Twomey who played for the Dallas Cowboys. It sounds like you're talking about the punter Pat McInally, who I think earned a perfect score on the Wonderlic Test before he was drafted.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
Fitz
April 28, 2009 - 18:30 ET by zoro7957......Pat Mcinally played for the Bengals, Ivy leaguer if my memory serves me right.
Pat McInally
April 28, 2009 - 18:35 ET by irishguyPat McInally was a punter for the Bengals in the early 80's. I beleive he went to Harvard, or some Ivy League school. He was a wide reciever as well. I think he's the fellow you invented/started the "Starting Lineup" toy collection as well. He also had (may still have) a youth sports advice colum.
Pat Toomay.
April 28, 2009 - 18:29 ET by blazermaniacPat Toomay was a defensive lineman in the 1970's for the Cowboys & the Bills. Pat McInally was a punter for the Bengals in the 1970's. Mr. Specter should enjot the next year and a half, because he will be finished in 2010. Mr. Specter is one of the major reasons that I support term limits.
Blazer
April 28, 2009 - 18:34 ET by zoro7957......thanks for the correction.......I knew that name (even incorrect) rang a bell............
He asked the senator from
April 28, 2009 - 17:50 ET by Chris NormanHe asked the senator from South Carolina if Specter was correct in his analysis that the conservative wing of the Republican Party was squeezing out a segment of the electorate.
DeMint should have asked Sanchez why he and CNN are squeezing out a big segment of TV news viewers - conservatives.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Progressives abhor freedom
April 28, 2009 - 18:08 ET by 10ksnookerEvery once in a while the truth pops out.
Specter left the GOP because
April 28, 2009 - 18:52 ET by Radical1979Specter left the GOP because he knows he would lose a primary election to Pat Toomey. Hooray for us! I have more respect for Democrats who register with the democratic party and vote democratic, than an opportunist like Specter who just looking to re-election. Good riddance!
It is fitting that Arlen
April 28, 2009 - 22:07 ET by needleIt is fitting that Arlen Specter would want to join the party vigorous supported by people who are traitors at heart.
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat.
Roll over Walter and Chet
April 28, 2009 - 20:30 ET by SkipperMLMCan anyone emagine Walter Cronkite or one of those guys being so rude to a U S Senator that was merely stating his opinion?
DeMint handled that well. Makes me proud to be from SC.
Freedom, what a concept
April 28, 2009 - 21:15 ET by WorriedSenator DeMint is great. He is able to explain in simple terms what the American people want. Freedom. Sanchez must not be aware of such a thing.
Panicky Little Nothing
April 28, 2009 - 21:40 ET by TexndocI can't believe this little nothing hasn't been given his final orders by CNN to do something to get his name in the news and his ratings up. Such a drama queen, and kudos to the Senator for not going ballistic at Sanchez's rudeness.
This clip is worth repeated viewings in that a calm cool Republican CAN literally wipe the smirk off that smug bastard's face withonly a verbal argument in no time flat.
Sanchez, "What the hell
April 29, 2009 - 00:07 ET by RogerCfromSDSanchez, "What the hell does THAT mean" is exactly what all Americans say whenever they listen to you or any of the leftists in your profession.
A nation cannot be free without a free, unbiased media. We are not free.
not funny
April 29, 2009 - 09:03 ET by pcantidoteI don't know that I have ever watched Sanchez. Is he a desk reporter or does he run an opinion show? If the former I find this incredibly disturbing. What is freedom? That makes me sick to my stomach.
-Reject ALL incumbents in 2010-